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The Best Energy Drinks

Energy drink on desk

Last Updated: Sep 26, 2023

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Many popular energy drinks on the market don't taste very good and are packed with sugar and carbs.

Energy drinks aren't the best solution to the underlying issue of lacking energy and drive, but if you do drink them, you may as well drink the best one on the market.

The ultimate energy drink, in a perfect world, would be super healthy and give a huge boost of energy. Unfortunately, we don't live in that world, so here are some of the best and worst energy boosting drinks that are on the market.

Best Overall: Mountain Dew Energy

PepsiCo gave us the gift of flavorful drinks with 180mg of caffeine. At only 25 calories, 4g of sugar, no added sugar, and 5g of carbs, this is a great replacement for the less healthy, poor tasting energy drinks that are so popular.

I drink these often because I get no crash from them and they taste great. The caffeine ratio within the 16oz can is just right.

It comes in 6 delicious flavors:

  • Strawberry Melon Spark
  • Peach Mango Dawn
  • Tropical Sunrise
  • Orange Breeze
  • Berry Blitz
  • Pomegranate Blue Burst

Mtn Dew also has the KickStart drinks, which have a similar taste, but they contain way more sugar, carbs, and added sugars. I would avoid these.

The Moutain Dew Energy line, formerly Mountain Dew Rise Energy, has greatly reduced these unhealthy factors and added Vitamin A and Zinc.

Here is a full list of the nutrition facts for Mtn Dew Energy.


Healthy Alternative: Super Cold Brew (Black)

Yes, I know this is coffee, not an actual energy drink. However, if you want something healthier at the expense of taste, this is a great option. It still delivers a good energy boost with 250mg of caffeine.

It's gluten, lactose, and soy free, and has up to 80 calories, less than 1g of sugar, 3g of carbs, and 10g of protein.

It doesn't taste as good as the Mtn Dew Energy drink to me, but it is a good alternative choice over most energy drinks. Unlike many energy drinks, I felt good after drinking this and the energy really lasted. You won't get a sugar crash with almost no sugar!

It comes in a variety of flavors:

  • Caramel
  • Caramel Waffle
  • Cinnamon Roll
  • Hazelnut Latte
  • Vanilla Latte
  • Mocha
  • Blueberry Muffin
  • Peppermint Mocha Latte

Worst Energy Drinks: I felt I needed to try a variety of popular energy drinks in order to give the best advice. These are the ones that I would absolutely avoid.

Red Bull: Very high in sugar and calories. Taste is horrible. Heavy crash afterwards.

Bang: Taste is very strong, and way too sweet; so bad I couldn't finish it. Maybe too much caffeine for some people? (300mg)